Finding My Paradise

sunrise in Busuanga Island, Philippines

aerial shot of Club Paradise, Dimakya Island, Palawan, Philippines

aerial shot Busuanga Island, Palawan, Philippines

waiting for the sunset in Coron town, Busuanga, Palawan



approaching the Coron Town from a day of island hopping

Bonol Beach, Coron Islands, Palawan, Philippines

Kayangan lake,Coron Islands, Palawan, Philippines



all photos were taken by orange tulip on her first visit to Busunga and neighbouring islands in Palawan

“I do not seek. I find.”
-Pablo Picasso
(Spanish Artist and Painter. 1881-1973)

I am for Barack Obama

Obama with his maternal grandparents(photo courtesy of Obama Campaign)

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-obama-grandmaoct21,0,3939455.story

New York City, photo by Minnie


Source: http://www.thefantasyaddicts.com/

Tomorrow would be the most awaited elections in the United States of America. I have watched the process of selection for both the Republican and Democratic Party and followed them through watching the "presidential debates" albeit by television. I have shared the admiration that my Dad have for the former first lady of Bill Clinton, Hillary who became New York's senator and i have listened with awe how John McCain has been in the American politics, how he survived as a POW in Vietnam, his foreign policies and how he would steer America to a " change" but i had always rooted for Barack Obama.

Yes, i have always believed and still do and hope that after the conclusion of today's elections, Barack Obama will emerge as a victor and will be declared as the new President of the United States of America. There are various reasons why he should be elected but since i am writing in my blogspot, i am citing my personal reasons for choosing him over a senior with probably much wisdom and experience in the person of John McCain. I am really touched by his display of humanity when at the height of his campaign, he made a break to fly to his graveky ill grandmother. http://washingtontimes.com/.../obama-visits-grandmother-perhaps-for-last-time Reportedly, her grandmother Madelyn Dumham who raised her back in Hawaii was the only family left to him after reportedly losing her mom due to cancer. Spending around six hours with his grandma, sitting close to her and making few talks, he displayed such consciousness and concern to things that really matter beyond politics, foreign policies and the tumbling economy.

By this time, a lot has been said and done to ensure Obama's winning. Powell's endorsement, a staunch Republican supporter has reportedly gave his candidacy a big boost. Few days back, Bill Clinton, the Democratic that he is- buried the hatchet and accompanied Obama in the last leg of his campaign.

As i look at the pictures of Barack, and watch him in television in his campaigns to the presidential debate, i can't help but be awed by his charisma. Regardless of his colour which was undermined by the Republicans, His smiles seem to look sincere and so is his promise to America, the "mantra of change." In this times of difficulty and uncertainty, economic fall down which could probably turn like the Great Depression in the nation many years back, Barack brings with him hope- lots of hope for change and better days ahead.

And i do hope that he will make it as the first coloured and the forty fourth Presidentof the United States of America, and let change begin.

Remembering the Departed

orange marigold, irresistibly beautiful...

Today I take the time to remember my loved ones who have already departed in this world. My maternal grandmother who helped my mother in taking care of me as an infant passed away before I grew up big enough to remember her face. Her husband, my maternal grandfather died after a few months of being bedridden. Sadly, he died calling the name of my dad(arguably his favourite son-in-law) and my uncle(my mother’s kid sister) while my mom was in the school one morning to enroll us in primary school. After his burial, he appeared to my mother in a dream probably to say farewell.

Then a couple of uncles, my mother’s kid brothers who has lived their lives to the brim, singing and drinking to their hearts content while smoking with or without occasions did not reach advanced ages although they were able to build their families. Mother’s youngest brother died due to a lingering illness while I was miles away for my college education leaving my small cousins and his widow behind. My other uncle quietly passed away after supposedly recovering from a stroke and accordingly his very recent hospitalization. I was then on my second month in the big city when this happened and I was unable to attend his funeral.

A karate and judo enthusiast with shoulders arguably like Arnold Schwarzenegger due to his body building activities was the first to go among seven brothers( well, in their adult life because they lost an infant brother due to a congenital illness in a brood of eleven where father was the eldest) and three sisters. It was difficult for his parents because that was too sudden making my grandmother grieved too much wishing that she should have went ahead. My father has to make a quick trip to see his family and find out what happened. He was strong and just recently got married leaving no son nor daughter, and not even a pregnant (only a grief stricken wife ) when death snatched him away. It was quite unforgettable for us because we were busy preparing for my youngest sister’s birthday when the sad news came. Dad stayed for the birthday celebration but has to leave quickly the next day to bury his own brother miles away from him. We were still toddlers the last time he visited our farm house and he went fishing and hunting and made lots of friends in our neighbourhood. And he loved to pamper us. Although we visit my grandparents’ house during summer, uncle’s visit to us was unforgettable

On my third year in college, I lost a close friend to an accident. We are very fond of each other and since he is smaller than me I would call him( as all other friends call him “the youngest brother.”). He was born and raised in Palawan, that time was just a name of a place to me. I have seen his advocacy on environment and wildlife preservation back then being extremely active in his environmental organization. He has fondly told me stories about Palawan until the time that I asked him to bring me a token from Palawan when we parted ways for the school break. He came back with a bangle which was according to him, made of indigenous materials and crafted by the natives. I was so touched and wore that bangle proudly in school and during performances. It looked ordinary yet special and I have to keep my “Cleopatra bangles”( that;’s how my naughty male classmates in Chemistry calls them) away over this unique and lovely bangle from my “ kid brother” to which he became very proud and happy seeing me wearing it and promised to bring me more on the next semester. He did not live long to be able to come back the next semester. When classes has started I was bothered why I still haven’t seen him so I went to his dormitory and asked his close friends how he had been. In turn, I heard the sad news that he met an accident one evening and was pronounced “dead on arrival” in the hospital where he was brought. Until now I still keep that unique bangle from him- I do not wear it anymore though, for it brings sadness but it is well-kept in a souviner box where tokens from friends and loved ones are kept. From time to time I open it, wear the bangle for a minute or two and smile remembering our happy talks about where the bangle came from. More than a year ago I happened to visit Palawan and my own eyes have seen the paradise that he has been telling about. I saw lots of bangles for sale like what he thoughtfully gave me one semester in college but I never bought one. I wanted to keep only one bangle of the same kind- the one from my “ kid brother” which to date, is pretty special to me.

After three months on my first job, a very close friend from my theatre circle also died due to a vehicular accident while on the way home from a happy reunion with her high school friends. Her death has taught me a lot of lessons about life’s realities-- never to procrastinate and other tidbits in life but most importantly, the liberating experience of “ saying goodbye”.

Few years after, another friend never woke up from her comatose stage months after undergoing surgery for her brain cancer. I visited her in the hospital few days before she succumbed due to infection and it took weeks before I have forgiven myself believing that for touching her hand, talking and lingering in the ICU where she was confined, I might have brought her some virus that could have infected her. It was her mother who gave me relief saying that- the moment she decided to have her brain surgery for a chance to live, she was ready to lose her. She has been very special to me because our name almost sounded the same. I was there until her cremation and I just hugged her mom because I did not know what words to say to comfort her.

I was on a travel as part of a research work where I was actively involved when the news about my paternal grandmother reached me. She has finally given up after a long battle with colon cancer, a disease that also caused the death of her two sisters. I always remember her zest of life being a dancer and a popular lass in her youth, her love of finer things in life and smoking despite her health condition. I have stressed smoking as extraordinary in this family because non of his seven grown up sons, including my dad and even my brothers and cousins did not smoke but she did it with gusto. Truly, she loved and lived her life to the fullest. What is very memourable about the two of us was when her children(my uncles and aunts) prohibited her to smoke, she got too irritable and I intervened by telling them that she will die anyway so why stop her to enjoy a little while alive by allowing her at least to smoke? Knowing how naughty I could be as the first granddaughter in the clan, they gave in to my point which delighted my grandmother too much. I was unable to bury my grandmother but I loved remembering her as a woman who loved life, and truly lived to the fullest when she was alive.

Three years ago, it was the turn of my paternal grandfather to go home in his father’s house in heaven. Being a farmer and a gardener in addition to his numerous church-related activities has probably contributed a lot to his longevity. The last time I was with him along with my sister and cousins, he was enjoying the “rides” in a theme park and he had the time of his life. He had also lots of stories to tell about his travels and the people he met and yes, his wish for a second chance to love again which his children frowned upon. As the only family member vocal in allowing him to remarry a woman half of his age few years after my grandmother passed away, I got the irk of my relatives which did not bother me anyway. Seeing an ally in me, he loved telling stories how he and the girl met, how he beautified her garden in Guam while they were neighbours as an expression of his love and how he was taken cared of in return by the lady. I never had the chance to meet such lady but when I remember the glimmer in his eyes while telling stories about her, I know that he was in love-again. Grandfather’s demise was exceptionally painful for me because I was studying overseas thus was unable to see him both in his sick and death bed, and was absent in his funeral. It was unforgettable because I have to deal with my own grief and loss away from my family which felt the same. Besides, I was unable to find out if his second love has made it to his funeral.

A year ago was the death of our foster grandfather. He has treated my father like his own son and his children referred to him as their eldest brother. Before his death, his family was considering to replace the pacemaker in his heart but being very sick already, he refused another surgery. He was in and out of the hospital and even went overseas for treatment. Considered as one of the richest men in his village, talks spread that not even his vast wealth was able to stop him from imminent death( I heard the talks myself but painfully kept quiet, as I was then with my seven year old kid nephew). A man who has spent most of his time serving God, he had full knowledge that when his time comes it will. What is very remarkable about his death was, before breathing his last, he told his wife, our Grandma about the funeral service that he himself planned twenty years earlier. In that program he prepared twenty years back, he has explicitly identified the parts, the people that would participate. He has diligently chosen the songs to be sung, the singers to sing a particular song and even the ministers to do the funeral rites in church to his grave. Probably, he has acknowledged long ago that for us humans- death is inevitable and yes, that is the ultimate destiny of man on earth regardless of their race, citizenship, economic and social status, and even biological age.

A couple of weeks earlier was another demise which majority of those he left behind referred to as “ untimely”. He was a driver but I opt to remember him as a good cook and has been like a brother to me because of my closeness to her beloved. I do not know how to comfort his beloved so I just let her cry on my shoulder and cry with her too.

Their death is a constant reminder for me to appreciate each morning given to me everyday as I wake up alive. Second, I have realized that death is not really “untimely” as we humans look at it with the life expectancy age in mind. Arguably, when one has to leave this earth regardless of how- it is surely his or her appointed time no matter the gravity of pain or shock or grief it would bring to those left behind. Third, their faces might not be vividly remembered yet their kind deeds and unforgettable acts will remain in the hearts of those that they touched. Fourth, the only sure thing in this world is that- humans will eventually leave it when their appointed time comes . Fifth, they cannot bring any treasure nor material wealth that they have amassed to grave, except of course the material things that those left behind opted to bury him with.

Finally, remembering those departed ones gives me the zest to go on living no matter what. It also inspires me to try my very best to do a kind deed and unforgettable act so that when my time( hopefully when I am old and gray) to leave this world comes, i will be remembered by those I will leave behind.

Beauty

St Kilda Beach , Melbourne, Australia, photo by Primo

a view from the terrace of the house on top of the hill photo by orange tulip

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Used by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 inaugural speech

I am not necessarily brilliant and famous but i have always believed(or at least that's how people who loved me made me believe) that i am gorgeous and talented. Moreover, it does not bother me if some have been insecure having me around. Early in life i have been taught that i was born to give joy to my parents, my kins and to the people around me who can appreciate the beauty of my existence. I have also relished the idea to let my light shine brightly so as to encourage others to shine on their own too. And i have been fearless in expressing myself, including my own fears since i discovered that doing - has always liberated me. I may sound odd to a few but i realised that in some ways i have made some smile or laugh. And in making them happy in my own simple ways, i have realised that it makes me happy too. In return, through their simple and quiet ways - a sweet or shy smile, a cheerful hello, reassuring kiss or a soulful hug, an encouraging word or lavish praise from family, friends, workmates, loved ones and even strangers- i have realised that these can make me happy too.

And in agreement with Nelson Mandela I reckon that this is the beauty of life- being born to make manifest the glory of God that is within me and you. And i am in the working progress, for such.

Garry's Day

a shore in Sorrento, Country Victoria(Australia), photo by James

a boat in Coron Islands, Palawan(Philippines), photo by orange tulip

"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore."
- Andre Gide

(French writer, humanist and moralist, 1947 nobel prize for literature, 1869-1951)

Today is Garry's day. I cannot greet him personally because he opted to go to New Zealand since July. He has survived winter Down Under and now he is enjoying the spring breezes and hopefully will get through the summer and the autumn coming up.

If there are some personal characteristics that i admire about him its his industry, quietness and patience. This came as a huge surprise to me. Knowing that he is the only child i would not be surprised if he behaved like a spoiled brat but as far as i knew him(we are not close though), he is not a brat at all. Probably i have to give credit to his mother, Aunt Linda for his upbringing. And i have endlessly enjoyed his tons of patience because despite of some bullying that i intentionally did while he was near, he would just smile and offer me coffee or ice cream or any food that comes handy with the main purpose of stopping me when he thinks i have been saying lots of nonsense and he has listened enough or he is extremely busy. Yet he never failed to smile albeit probably out of courtesy to my jokes(its his officemates in the quarantine services who have been gracious enough to listen to my stories and laugh at my jokes- and to them i am most thankful they never fail to be friendly to me). And i know that i have offended Garry or upset him when he suddenly keeps quiet sans the friendly smile in his face- and i get scared so i have to be quiet myself, gigggle nervously or simply leave. Anyway, he is a nice lad i should say, and that's on top of being intelligent and handsome( maybe he just needs to lose a few pounds though but nobody's perfect so he does not need to- if he is happy and comfortable with being chubby).

Going to New Zealand is a big leap for Garry, i guess and since he is very quiet about it i was quite surprised when i heard about it seeing how successful he has become in his chosen career as a veterinarian. He has been well-travelled, having been to various countries in the world for a month or couple of months per trip. However i believe that by leaving his current job, organisation and status, he did a good decision to get out of his comfort zone. This is a great opportunity to learn new lessons and discover things, culture and meet more people. Truly, Andre Gide, a French writer has been thinking of encouraging people to go on an adventure when he said these words: " Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore." I am happy that he took the courage to lose sight of the shore. And i wish him the best!

Here's to a happy birthday and may all your wishes come true, Garry( finally i spelled it right, i always spell his name with a single r as in Gary and he would just quietly correct it doubling the rrs). Happy Birthday Brother Beer! Cheers!

Simplicity

...a chance to enjoy the sun, sand and the sea

... to breath the fresh air, watch the clear skies


...a hut to rest and relax on a warm summer

... a wildflower always in bloom to enchant everyday

...the refreshing sight of clear waters

"the rewards of a simple life" photos by orange tulip




To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter ... to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring—these are some of the rewards of the simple life.

-John Burroughs

Truly, the universal elements are enough to make someone with simple joys wishing to live a simple life, happy. I have been thrilled by the sight of the stars at night most especially when i am in the countryside. I have been most thrilled( and continues to be thrilled) by the sight of the moon especially when it is full.

And i reckon that the moments which i have been truly happy were simply frolicking in the beach with my nephew and niece especially when they were toddlers, an experience that i never enjoyed while growing up with my siblings becase i am always left behind with my books to read. The most memourable mornings are the early morning walks to the orchard with my parents to find which tree bore the most fruits, when i was already a grown up- an experience i again missed as a child. The happiest nights are when the whole brood of brothers and sisters are together (which rarely happen) doing an evening saunter about the naughty things we did while growing up and how we got away with it/them and partaking the simplest meal that we can prepare together while talking and laughing over nostalgia- grilled fish.

Yet nothing compares to the joy of simply enjoying these universal elements by myself, alone in the farm or alone in the beach. These are the moments where i can thank the Creator of all things and giving me the gift of life to enjoy His creations, and feel the joy of being loved too much.

Mindanao, The Land Once Promised

" kris, the traditional Muslim armour, Iligan City" by orange tulip

" the exhilarating skies of North Cotabato countrysides", by orange tulip

"the ricefields in Zamboanga, ready for planting", by orange tulip

“What we want is peacetime so we can return to our home,” said the 40-year-old farmer who, with his family, had been staying at an evacuation center. “It’s difficult here; this is not our home. What about our food, our livelihood, our children’s education?”

- as reported by the Mindanao Bureau, Philippine Daily Inquirer

The Farmer’s Reaction Multiplied
This farmer, as reported by the Mindanao Bureau of the Philippine Daily Inquirer http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081016-166596/Military-bracing-for-trouble-in-South captured the sentiments of the ordinary people of Mindanao(Philippines). It now makes sense to me why long before this MOA-AD issue, it was called “The Promised Land”. I was telling few friends that at least they tried to give semantics to such three words. A part of Mindanao “was promised” to the MILF by the GRP Peace Panel through the MOA-AD, sadly without any consultations with concerned persons.

Thanks to their proactivity, local officials of North Cotabato, Iligan City and Zamboanga (who claimed that they were not consulted by the government panel) were able to beat the signing of the “initialed” MOA-AD scheduled in Malaysia by filing a temporary restraining order at the Supreme Court. Thus the promise to give specific parts of Mindanao as mentioned in the supposedly “peace agreement” was temporarily unfulfilled pending to the Supreme Court Decision of the Philippines which activated the “tantrum- like” behaviour of MILF Commanders Bravo and Kato leading to a so-called "rampage" in North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte resulting to many losses, pains and sufferings. According to the news reports, “ More than 60 civilians were killed in the attacks and more than 600,000 people have been displaced.” The trauma of those who experienced or witnessed the chaos will always be unquantifiable and probably would take time to heal.


These statistics have brought more chills. If someone has been to Mindanao, he/she would not be scared by the news as it sounds to be. The beauty of the island has always been eclipsed by the "troubles" that the island has underwent. Instead of the nature's bounty, magnificent seascapes and marvelous landscapes, Mindanao is pretty popular for news related to kidnapping, war and lately rampages. It is not really scary to travel and relish nature’s bounty in the island considering that these “rampages”, thank goodness are not everyday. Moreover, the “ military operations” are not on a 24- hour period seven days a week, and only specific areas are “critical. “ Yet when one has passed by or at least tried to make a visit to these evacuation areas (where displaced families including women and children live at least temporarily the length of time is with much uncertainty), then he or she can fully empathise with the sentiments, pains and sufferings of this farmer. Practically, “time stood still” for them and unless real peace where no more killing between opposite forces and at times hitting civilians in the crossfire happens. I keep on wondering and wish that their sufferings would end soon.

Like all others from different sectors who are deeply concerned, I have eagerly awaited for the final decision of the "court of last resort", the Supreme Court while crying for peace in Mindanao (http://reckonsofspring.blogspot.com/2008/08/cry-for-peace-in-mindanao.html) (http://reckonsofspring.blogspot.com/2008/08/continuing-cry-for-peace-in-mindanao.html). I am hopeful that peace will soon be tangible enough or at least felt by the residents of Mindanao.

The News Accounts on the Final Decision

Last week, the final decision made it in the headlines, editorials and opinion pages. Even though I wished and hoped a lot about it considering how the Supreme Court decided in the case of Romulo Neri invoking executive privilege, I was worried it might bring unpleasant surprise. Joining the others, I rejoiced in the decision no matter what. Accordingly,” The Supreme Court on Tuesday voted 8-7 to find the MOA-AD “contrary to law and the Constitution” with its provisions on the creation of the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE). “ Arguably, this is a celebrated or unforgettable case I guess, in the history of the Philippine Supreme Court. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081016-166603/Govt-negotiators-disregarded-Charter. Bits of the news are the following: In his opinion concurring with the Supreme Court majority decision rejecting the memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain (MOA-AD), Puno said: “During the whole process, the government peace negotiators conducted themselves free from the strictures of the Constitution.”

“[Under the agreement) the BJE is granted powers of governance which it can exercise without need of amendments to be made to the Constitution or existing law or without imposing any condition whatsoever,” Puno said.

He added: “No one can claim he has a blank check to violate the Constitution in advance and the privilege to cure the violation later through an amendment of its provisions.
“Respondents’ thesis of violate now, validate later makes a burlesque of the Constitution.”

Justice Antonio Carpio, in his own separate concurring opinion, said the executive branch took on the powers of Congress and the people when it committed the constitutional amendments to pave the way for the agreement’s implementation.
“[Any] peace agreement that calls for amendments to the Constitution—whatever the amendments may be, including the creation of the BJE—must be subject to the constitutional and legal processes of the Philippines,” Carpio said.

He said the constitutional power of the people to approve or disapprove such amendments “can never be disregarded.”

I have always enjoyed reading the Philippine Star and Daily Inquirer. I read both on a daily basis except when I do not have the access. I try to find time to compare news accounts, read and analyse opinions, with the editorials as finale over tea before going to bed(yes, I read the news at night, not during breakfast like most people do). Most interesting are these links: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081016-166603/Govt-negotiators-disregarded-Charter, http://www.philstar.com/archives.php? aid=2008101597&type=2 and http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=20081016142&type=2.

This editorial pagehttp://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/editorial/view/20081017-166830/Executive-bull,) posed three questions which made me reflect:

Does Malacañang actually expect the public to believe that, on the fundamental concession of a Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE) government that had an “associative” relationship with the “central government,” government peace negotiators led by another retired general, Rodolfo Garcia, had proceeded without the President’s express say-so?

Does Malacañang actually expect the public to believe that, on the essential point of defining an expanded territory for what would have been the replacement of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), government peace negotiators proposed an arrangement the President herself did not approve of?

Does Malacañang actually expect the public to believe that, on the extraordinary breakthrough that would have allowed the BJE to set up foreign missions and conduct diplomacy unilaterally, government peace negotiators pulled a fast one on the President?"

As a member of the so-called public, I join the writer of this article in asking these questions not only because I am very interested, but primarily because beyond the intellectual and analytical point of view, my heart have felt and my eyes have seen the sufferings of humanity brought by this seemingly endless quest for peace.

Like what I have been expecting, Amando Doronilla, a famous political analyst in the country, whose analysis of various political scenario in the country have immensely helped me while doing political science down under, wrote his exemplary analysis over the matter a day after the most awaited and arguably heralded decision came out. It was very interestingly titled: “ A stinging rebuff to the administration “ http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20081017-166834/A-stinging-rebuff-to-the-administration . His analysis are itself stinging with excerpts as follows:

The Supreme Court declared unflinchingly on Monday as illegal and unconstitutional the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) that sought the establishment of an expanded Bangsamoro homeland in Mindanao with an 8-7 vote, in one of its closest decisions during the Arroyo presidency. The tight vote did not mask the stinging rebuff administered by the Court to the administration despite the fact that most of its members have been appointed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Days before the promulgation of the decision, legal circles buzzed with speculations that the Court might vote to inhibit itself from making a decision on the substantive aspects of the case. And the fact that the Court trumped these apprehensions bolstered its prestige. It showed that in moments of grave national turmoil, as in the case of the renewed separatist war in Mindanao, the justices could transcend considerations of personal gratitude to the appointing power. The decision was a sterling display of independence. It declared the MOA-AD, initialed by the government’s peace panel and that of the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front, “contrary to the law and the Constitution.”

The decision resolved two substantive issues, one relating to the manner in which the MOA-AD was negotiated, and the other relating to its provisions. The issues were: (1) Did the government’s peace negotiators violate constitutional and statutory provisions on public consultations and the right to information when they negotiated and initialed the MOA-AD? (2) Do the contents of the MOA-AD violate the Constitution and our laws?

What Happens Now?
Jarius Bondoc, a celebrated and fearless journalist with much passion for truth no matter what or who is involved has been writing a lot about Mindanao in his opinion column Gotcha! for The Philippine Star. (I became his huge fan since his ZTE related expose and I have tirelessly followed his articles containing exposes and analysis and concern about various issues very important to the masses, the latest of which is the ZTE mining in Mindanao that would probably be an interesting subject for another post) His column, as a reaction to the Supreme Court Decision on the Philippine Star was aptly titled “What now for Mindanao? (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=20081016140&type=2). Although I have attached his whole article I want to underscore his very important point to which I strongly agree. Among other issues, he argued: " It would be tougher now to renew peace talks with Moro separatists. The fault is not with the Supreme Court for junking Malacañang’s Memo of Agreement-Ancestral Domain with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The hitch is Malacañang itself. Nobody trusts it anymore to forge a settlement — not the judiciary or the legislature, not the local officials or the military, not the Christians or the Moros."

I believe no Mindanaoan would favour the idea that fighting should go on in the island. After all, every Mindanaoans and Filipinos for that matter has been longing and working for peace even if it has remained elusive all these years. I think even the Muslim secessionists and the government forces are already tired of continuous war and probably, they keep on fighting simply because they have to. Most importantly, the Christians and Muslims, soldiers and rebels either caught in crossfire or displaced, or doing their duty knows the feelings of pain and suffering. And regardless of religion, social and economic status, Mindanaoans would prefer to live harmoniously with each other given the chance.

And while rhetoric about the SC decision is interestingly going on across sectors, I wonder how the families of the 60 people reportedly were killed in the recent war keeps on going after such huge losses, and I wonder how the 600,000 displaced people are living their day- to- day situations in the various evacuation centers where they are housed. Do they have enough food to eat? Can they sleep well at night in their makeshift beds or probably in the grounds? Do they have at least a mat or a blanket to keep them warm in cold or rainy evenings and early mornings and do they have clothes to wear? It has been almost two months since they were displaced and as much as the local officials wanted to help their constituents do they have enough funds to do so? And how could the infants, toddlers, pregnant women, handicapped and senior citizens survive this man-made circumstances?

The DND Chief stated that they are ready to rumble http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081016-166596/Military-bracing-for-trouble-in-South). This is both good news(although sends chills as well most probably to the civilians both Muslims and Christians) alike in Mindanao because the government forces are ready and willing to give their limb and lives to defend the civilians from possible further atrocities from the MILF and defend the nation as mandated by the constitution. But when would these fighting stop? I just pray that the MILF would hold on to their promise(http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Opinion&p=49&type=2&sec=25 ) and the Supreme Court Decision would serve as “ eye opener” to all concerned.


Search for Other Avenues
As the military are preparing, further avenues are sought by many people from various sectors. (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081016-166596/Military-bracing-for-trouble-in-South) . Reports showed concerns for appeal as follows: Appeals for peace continued to be aired in the wake of the high court’s ruling on the MOA-AD.

In Cotabato City, Auxiliary Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling but expressed the hope that it would not be “the end of everything.”“Peace will still be attained in Mindanao,” Bagaforo said, adding that the government and the MILF only needed to explore other avenues to pursue peace.

Harumi Kitabayashi, deputy resident representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, told reporters his government was hopeful that the peace negotiations would resume soon. “My government is hoping that both sides will find a way to proceed with mutual understanding and cooperation,” Kitabayashi said during a visit to a Japan-funded project in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.She said donor-countries wanted peace in Mindanao before putting in “more resources for economic development.”“Unfortunately it cannot be realized at the moment, but we are waiting,” she said.

In a long-distance call from Switzerland, where he is attending the annual assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Sen. Rodolfo Biazon said the government should promptly resume peace talks with the MILF. But this time, Biazon wants Indonesia to facilitate the peace talks.“I still maintain my position that the government should explore the possibility of the peace talks being resumed without foreign intervention. If, however, this is not possible, we should explore the proposition that another country be the broker of the peace process instead of Malaysia,” he said.Biazon, the chair of the Senate committee on national defense and security and a former AFP chief of staff, said Malaysia had “conflict of interest” in brokering the peace process because of the standing Philippine claim to the state of Sabah.

The same report stated the reactions of the very people responsible for seeking petition to stop the Peace Negotiating Panel to finalise the "agreement with MILF"since their constituents and their provincea are most affected. Their reactions to the Supreme Court decision are as follows: North Cotabato Vice Gov. Emmanuel Piñol, one of the petitioners against the MOA-AD, urged the government to “reassess and restudy” its position in relation to efforts to solve the so-called Mindanao conflict.“Now is the time to reassess the government’s position on whether to continue talking with the MILF, which does not recognize the Constitution,” Piñol told the Catholic-run Radio dxND in Kidapawan City.Zamboanga City Rep. Isabel Climaco also said the junking of the MOA-AD should make the government rethink its strategies.“The [high court’s] decision should become the government’s guide in talking with the MILF,” she said.Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat said the decision was “very providential” because it “saved the country from being dismembered.”

Cry Turns to Prayer for Peace
There is always a room for another chance, I believe and I hope both parties would finally sit down and talk to come up with a genuine solution for peace. Mindanao is beautiful- it has the promise of better life for its settlers due to its abundant natural resources- rich soil sunny skies and lovely landscapes and seascapes that could be relished by native settlers and visitors alike, once peace and order is no longer an issue. Lots of blood of both military and secessionist groups has been poured over the land many years and months back, or probably even before i was even born in its very soil- in the process of the search for peace. I hope that sometime in the near future, the lives of these men and women who fought gallantly with each other for the causes that they believed in would not go to waste.

Let us all give peace a chance, who knows, it might work this time?

And I hope that displaced residents just like the farmer who seem does to be quite unaffected by the very significant result of the Supreme Court ruling on MOA-AD mainly because he is focused to a much simpler yet seemingly unfulfilled wish- to be able to go home with his family. And may all others who are suffering or displaced due to once unfulfilled promise- of giving away parts of Mindanao would be able to go home to or with their families too, and go on with their lives.


And my cry for peace turns to a prayer for peace in Mindanao . I pray that it would become a promised land in its real meaning(as far as the peacemakers are concerned)- for it to be finally be peacefully and happily liveable, by Muslims, Christians, the indigenous peoples and migrants alike.